Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UB is typically a 30-credit hour program, generally completed within two years of full-time study. It is fundamentally a research-intensive program that immerses students in advanced scientific disciplines crucial for pharmaceutical innovation. The program aims to train students to combine principles from chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer techniques with pharmacology, physiology, and biochemistry to work on the development of treatments that prevent disease and improve health. Students gain hands-on research experience under the mentorship of internationally renowned faculty, fostering a deep understanding of drug action and evaluation.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on F-1 visas, as it allows them to apply for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension. This means international graduates can gain up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. in a field directly related to their degree, providing extended opportunities for professional development and career experience.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences is highly research-focused and interdisciplinary, allowing for specialization through various tracks. While specific course requirements and electives vary by track, students delve into areas critical to drug action, from drug discovery to evaluation. Common areas of study include drug discovery, molecular and systems toxicology, pharmaceutical biotechnology and drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and pharmacogenomics. The program typically includes required core courses and allows for elective choices to further individualize the learning experience based on career goals. A strong emphasis is placed on scientific communication and laboratory experience.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UB has a strong and dynamic research focus, spanning the entire spectrum of drug interaction, from discovery to development to clinical application. The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is home to several prominent research centers, including the Center of Excellence in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, the Center for Drug Delivery, the Center for Protein Therapeutics, and the Drug Discovery, Development and Evaluation Hub. Faculty research areas include precision pharmacotherapy, pharmacogenetics, genomics, drug metabolism, drug transport, protein therapeutics, and clinical and translational research. Students are actively involved in cutting-edge research, often contributing to advancements in precision medicine and the development of new therapeutic agents.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at UB is designed to prepare graduates for high-impact positions within the pharmaceutical industry. The program's research-intensive nature and focus on practical application of scientific principles directly align with industry needs. Graduates are sought after by pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and contract research organizations (CROs). The school leverages its strong reputation and alumni network to provide students with potential internship and employment opportunities. The curriculum's emphasis on drug discovery, development, and evaluation provides students with skills highly valued in industrial research and development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs departments.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UB inherently maintains a strong global perspective, as the challenges of disease and the development of pharmaceutical solutions are worldwide. The program aims to equip students with the skills to contribute to global health initiatives and work in multinational pharmaceutical companies. Faculty members often engage in international collaborations, and the research conducted has global implications for drug development and patient care. The diverse international student body contributes to a rich learning environment, fostering varied cultural viewpoints and approaches to pharmaceutical challenges that transcend national borders.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 41810
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University at Buffalo are well-prepared for specialized scientific roles in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors, with strong prospects for advancement in research and development.
Research Scientist: Conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and contribute to the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies in pharmaceutical companies or academic institutions.
Formulation Scientist: Develop and optimize the physical and chemical properties of drug formulations to ensure stability, efficacy, and appropriate drug delivery.
Process Development Scientist: Design and scale up manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Pharmacologist: Study the effects of drugs on biological systems, including their mechanisms of action, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Toxicologist: Investigate the adverse effects of chemicals and drugs on living organisms, conducting studies to assess safety and risk.
Quality Control/Assurance Specialist: Ensure that pharmaceutical products meet established quality standards and comply with regulatory guidelines throughout the manufacturing process.
Regulatory Affairs Associate: Assist in preparing and submitting documentation to regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA) for drug approval and ensure ongoing compliance.
Medical Science Liaison (MSL): Act as a scientific expert for pharmaceutical companies, building relationships with healthcare professionals and communicating scientific information.
Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) Scientist: Study how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body to optimize drug design and dosing.
Biomedical Researcher: Contribute to research in various biomedical fields, applying pharmaceutical science principles to understand disease and develop therapeutic interventions.
